michael-83165
Joined Jun 2016
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Reviews6
michael-83165's rating
"Hereditary isn't a horror film."
This is what you start to think, as the viewer. It's a trap that has been set for you. As a Screenwriter, myself, this film is a fantastic piece to study in terms of structure and execution.
3/4 of the film operate as a tragic Family Drama. It's easy to forget that you paid to watch a "Horror" film. The acting and writing are so superb that you're convinced this film is a dread-soaked tale about loss, guilt, and grudge-holding.
It is. But it isn't. By the time the credits roll, you'll feel a sort of evil presence (a dreadful haunting, if you will) that sticks with you for some time.
Hereditary is a film that rewards second and third viewings. There are so many hints and pieces that are so easily missed while watching it for the first time. Hereditary is constantly telling you that things are only going to end one way, and when you're able to see/hear the prophetic imagery of that... it's truly chilling.
"Midsommar" Ari Aster's 2nd film, is worth the price of admission. It's almost worth double because watching it gives you a newfound appreciation for Hereditary and Aster's incredible ability to disturb you deep in your core.
Ultimately, Ari Aster has made two Horror films that stand out in a crowd of what would otherwise be predictable jump-scare movies. But Hereditary is a phenomenal achievement in dread, terror, and tragedy.
Ari Aster has gone on to reveal that Hereditary and Midsommar were the only Horror stories he has written so far. It seems like, genre-wise, Ari Aster will be moving away from Horror.
TL; DR:
Regardless of what Ari Aster does moving forward, THIS is the film he'll be primarily remembered for. It is a must-see.
(I hope he proves me wrong, because his talent is beyond that of nearly all current Horror writers/directors.)
This is what you start to think, as the viewer. It's a trap that has been set for you. As a Screenwriter, myself, this film is a fantastic piece to study in terms of structure and execution.
3/4 of the film operate as a tragic Family Drama. It's easy to forget that you paid to watch a "Horror" film. The acting and writing are so superb that you're convinced this film is a dread-soaked tale about loss, guilt, and grudge-holding.
It is. But it isn't. By the time the credits roll, you'll feel a sort of evil presence (a dreadful haunting, if you will) that sticks with you for some time.
Hereditary is a film that rewards second and third viewings. There are so many hints and pieces that are so easily missed while watching it for the first time. Hereditary is constantly telling you that things are only going to end one way, and when you're able to see/hear the prophetic imagery of that... it's truly chilling.
"Midsommar" Ari Aster's 2nd film, is worth the price of admission. It's almost worth double because watching it gives you a newfound appreciation for Hereditary and Aster's incredible ability to disturb you deep in your core.
Ultimately, Ari Aster has made two Horror films that stand out in a crowd of what would otherwise be predictable jump-scare movies. But Hereditary is a phenomenal achievement in dread, terror, and tragedy.
Ari Aster has gone on to reveal that Hereditary and Midsommar were the only Horror stories he has written so far. It seems like, genre-wise, Ari Aster will be moving away from Horror.
TL; DR:
Regardless of what Ari Aster does moving forward, THIS is the film he'll be primarily remembered for. It is a must-see.
(I hope he proves me wrong, because his talent is beyond that of nearly all current Horror writers/directors.)
For those of you who HAVE seen Hereditary: (If not, skip to next segment)
"Midsommar" is like another flavor from the same ice cream shop of discomfort, but truthfully... it's a bad acid trip that wears off the moment you leave the theater.
A lot of that signature Ari Aster dread can be felt in the film's powerful/memorable First Act.
The Second Act brings up a lot of questions and keeps you engaged, but don't expect to be terrified. It gets a little lost in itself and starts feeling a bit vague.
So, like Hereditary, you're probably expecting a HORRIFIC Third Act, right? It's only natural considering that Hereditary was a Family Drama that ended on a horrifying note. Well, without spoiling anything, don't hold your breath. The Third Act abruptly throws the film into the Art/Allegory category without providing much in the nature of horror.
Midsommar checks all of the boxes. It (kind of) answers all of the questions. But I left the theater, and my mind wandered back to Hereditary. Midsommar isn't really a film that stays with you, while for me (at least) Hereditary still does.
Loads of respect to Ari Aster for trying something completely different, but it loses points for simply not being scary or disturbing enough to stick with you.
For those of you who HAVEN'T seen Hereditary: (READ THIS if you SKIPPED)
On the plus side, Midsommar is unlike any horror film you've seen recently. It deserves to be seen at least once by any horror fan.
On the negative side, Midsommar struggles to even BE a horror film. It starts off as a drama and ends as an art show. Don't expect any scares to write home about. (Although to its credit, it does contain a few genuinely disturbing scenes)
TL;DR:
It's not Hereditary. It's barely a Horror film. But, in many ways, it's probably the most unique film you'll see this year. You'll show up for the "horror" but you'll only stay for the visuals.
Props to Ari Aster for shooting a Horror film 90% in broad daylight. It's only a pity that all of the memorable "scares" still take place during the 10% shot in the dark.
"Midsommar" is like another flavor from the same ice cream shop of discomfort, but truthfully... it's a bad acid trip that wears off the moment you leave the theater.
A lot of that signature Ari Aster dread can be felt in the film's powerful/memorable First Act.
The Second Act brings up a lot of questions and keeps you engaged, but don't expect to be terrified. It gets a little lost in itself and starts feeling a bit vague.
So, like Hereditary, you're probably expecting a HORRIFIC Third Act, right? It's only natural considering that Hereditary was a Family Drama that ended on a horrifying note. Well, without spoiling anything, don't hold your breath. The Third Act abruptly throws the film into the Art/Allegory category without providing much in the nature of horror.
Midsommar checks all of the boxes. It (kind of) answers all of the questions. But I left the theater, and my mind wandered back to Hereditary. Midsommar isn't really a film that stays with you, while for me (at least) Hereditary still does.
Loads of respect to Ari Aster for trying something completely different, but it loses points for simply not being scary or disturbing enough to stick with you.
For those of you who HAVEN'T seen Hereditary: (READ THIS if you SKIPPED)
On the plus side, Midsommar is unlike any horror film you've seen recently. It deserves to be seen at least once by any horror fan.
On the negative side, Midsommar struggles to even BE a horror film. It starts off as a drama and ends as an art show. Don't expect any scares to write home about. (Although to its credit, it does contain a few genuinely disturbing scenes)
TL;DR:
It's not Hereditary. It's barely a Horror film. But, in many ways, it's probably the most unique film you'll see this year. You'll show up for the "horror" but you'll only stay for the visuals.
Props to Ari Aster for shooting a Horror film 90% in broad daylight. It's only a pity that all of the memorable "scares" still take place during the 10% shot in the dark.
The first half of this film is beautiful.
The visuals are far beyond anything you've seen in recent time. The music is perfection. (Some of you may not believe this) Nicholas Cage shows such powerful emotion. YOU'RE READY. The film PREPARES you for what you EXPECT will be a dreadful but FANTASTIC second half.
The second half of this film is ugly.
The plot vanishes. Only unsatisfying violence and unexpected perversion remains. Although still visually stunning, it's only a pretty picture. With unanswered questions and unsatisfactory resolutions haunting you after it ends, I feel entitled to tell you, the reader:
See Mandy. Please. It deserves to be seen. Support the more artistic side of film, but know this is not entirely a film.
Each half of this film should be scored individually.
First Half: 10 (No Exaggeration) Second Half: 5
I would score this film 7.5 if it were possible.
Lastly, I feel that it's important to state that I personally loved it. Not only for its extraordinary style, but its substance. I only regret to close by saying that I feel Panos Cosmatos tragically lost his way somewhere in the Second Act. This could have been better, it was MEANT to be better... but somehow it isn't.
The visuals are far beyond anything you've seen in recent time. The music is perfection. (Some of you may not believe this) Nicholas Cage shows such powerful emotion. YOU'RE READY. The film PREPARES you for what you EXPECT will be a dreadful but FANTASTIC second half.
The second half of this film is ugly.
The plot vanishes. Only unsatisfying violence and unexpected perversion remains. Although still visually stunning, it's only a pretty picture. With unanswered questions and unsatisfactory resolutions haunting you after it ends, I feel entitled to tell you, the reader:
See Mandy. Please. It deserves to be seen. Support the more artistic side of film, but know this is not entirely a film.
Each half of this film should be scored individually.
First Half: 10 (No Exaggeration) Second Half: 5
I would score this film 7.5 if it were possible.
Lastly, I feel that it's important to state that I personally loved it. Not only for its extraordinary style, but its substance. I only regret to close by saying that I feel Panos Cosmatos tragically lost his way somewhere in the Second Act. This could have been better, it was MEANT to be better... but somehow it isn't.